The Nisswa area offers camping facilities across a diverse landscape of pine forests and mine lakes ranging from 1,200-1,300 feet in elevation. Most campgrounds in this region of central Minnesota have a higher concentration of RV sites than primitive tent spots, with several facilities built around reclaimed mining pits that now serve as recreational lakes. Winter camping options are extremely limited, with most sites closing by mid-October.
What to do
Mountain biking at Cuyuna Country: Access world-class single-track trails directly from True North Basecamp, where one visitor noted, "I wouldn't call it glamping but it's definitely not backcountry camping in the least. We go here for Mtb trail riding trips for all these features. Close enough to town to bike in, trail access from the campground."
Fishing from campground docks: Many camping spots near Nisswa, Minnesota offer shore fishing without needing a boat. At Red Rider Resort, "My kids had fun fishing for panfish off their dock and although we never made it, they have a swimming beach that is a bit down the MTB access trail."
Historical exploration: Learn about early settlement history through interpretive trails at Crow Wing State Park Campground, where campers can "officially do the hiking club trail. Love doing a sunset hike, this trail is just over two miles, all along the river, with pretty much continual sunset views if you take the trail East to West."
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Campers repeatedly mention site size as a key factor. "The sites are huge, very dog friendly, quiet, ice and firewood on site, cute little lake with gorgeous sunsets," notes a visitor to Birch Bay RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards, especially bathroom facilities. At Cross Lake Recreation Area, visitors were "pleasantly surprised at how CLEAN this campground is! VERY well maintained and the campsites are big and spacious."
Lakefront camping: Water access remains the most sought-after amenity. "We stayed in site 29 with electric and it was large but the only down fall is the firewood for purchase is next to the site, so there is a bit more foot traffic walking by. The boat ramp was nice and a short walk over the dam from the campground," reports a camper at Gull Lake Recreation Area.
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Popular camping spots near Nisswa fill extremely quickly during summer months. One camper advised, "Book early on Recreation.gov - we reserved 6 months out for memorial weekend" at Gull Lake.
Rustic camping options: For those seeking a more primitive experience, Rock Lake Campground offers a less developed alternative. "Nice variety of campsites. There are about 10 sites that are next to the water giving you access to fishing, swimming and docking a small watercraft. Most of the sites are surrounded by trees."
Traffic noise: Some campgrounds, despite their natural settings, experience road noise. At Cross Lake, "You do hear road traffic which takes away from the seclusion feeling that most desire when camping. However, it's short walk to convenience stores and several restaurants."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. "Amazing, Family-owned campground, just far enough from 'the cities' to get away for the weekend, without spending too much time in the car. Clean bathrooms, nice sized park for kids, pool," notes a visitor to Crow Wing Lake Campground.
Swimming beaches: When selecting a campsite with kids, look for designated swimming areas. "The lake front sites are small width wise but your view of the lake makes up for it and helps the site feel more spacious," according to a Crow Wing Lake camper.
Water equipment rentals: Some facilities offer on-site watercraft. At Crow Wing Lake Campground, "They have paddleboards and funyaks to rent, you can bring your boat to fish or fish off the dock. The grounds and bathrooms were clean."
Tips from RVers
Hookup placement challenges: Some campgrounds have utilities positioned for specific RV types. At RV Resort Village, "Biggest negative is that the utility hookups are designed for a Class A Motorhome so for my trailer, they were on the wrong side. Had to get a longer water hose and extension for sewer line....NOT IDEAL."
Pad materials: The type of parking surface varies significantly between campgrounds. "The pads are gravel, have plenty of space, and are also very well maintained," notes a visitor to Gull Lake Recreation Area, while RV Resort Village features "concrete slabs, making set-up fast and easy."
Weather considerations: The camping season in this region is strictly limited by weather. Most RV camping spots near Nisswa, Minnesota close between October and April, with some like Wildwedge Golf and RV Park operating only from "May 1 to October 1."
